SGLT2 Inhibitors vs. GLP-1 Drugs: Which Prevents More Heart Attacks and Strokes? | Research

The takeaway

Retrospective comparison of 300 T2DM patients found differences in cardiovascular event rates between SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists over 24 months.

300 patients
24-month comparison of MACE between SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA in type 2 diabetes

What the researchers found

Retrospective comparison tracked MACE rates between SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA users over 24 months in 300 T2DM patients.

Why it matters

Both drug classes have cardiovascular benefits, but direct comparisons help clinicians prioritize the best option for individual patients.

The numbers in context

N=300 (150 per group); MACE: SGLT2i 11.3% vs GLP-1 RA 15.3% (P=0.182); HbA1c reduction: 1.2% vs 1.3% (P=0.456); HF hospitalization significantly lower with SGLT2i.

How the study worked

Retrospective cohort study of 300 patients (150 per group) at a single tertiary center from Jan 2021 to Dec 2023.

Who was studied

Adults with type 2 diabetes at a tertiary care center

What this study cannot tell us

Retrospective single-center study — subject to selection bias and confounding. Small sample for MACE outcomes.

How to read the evidence

Small retrospective single-center study — useful for hypothesis generation but underpowered for definitive MACE comparisons.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, adding to the limited head-to-head cardiovascular comparison data.

The bigger picture

Head-to-head cardiovascular comparisons between these drug classes are still rare, making even observational data valuable for clinical decisions.

Questions still open

Do SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA protect different cardiovascular endpoints?
Should high-risk patients receive both drug classes?

Common questions

Which diabetes drug is better for the heart?

Both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 drugs have proven cardiovascular benefits. This study compared their real-world heart protection head-to-head.

Should I take both an SGLT2 inhibitor and a GLP-1 drug?

Some patients benefit from both, especially those with high cardiovascular risk. Your doctor can determine the best combination for you.

Read the original research

Assessment of cardiovascular event reduction with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Bioinformation, 21(9), 3000-3003

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Prasad Vudathaneni, Vijaya Krishna; Nadella, Swetha Bharathi; Varaprasad Movva, Kalikrishna; Dulipala, Phanindra; Boyapati, Ramanarayana. (2025). Assessment of cardiovascular event reduction with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes mellitus.. Bioinformation, 21(9), 3000-3003. https://doi.org/10.6026/973206300213000